Yee haw in Idaho ...

So what's the first thing you think of when you see or hear the word Idaho?

Be honest.

What's that? Did you say Idawho? Or did you say, of course isn't that the mountainous 43rd state below British Columbia, just south of the 49th parallel? Then again, like me, maybe you muttered the singular word potato? It doesn't really matter because Idaho is all of the above and a whole lot more.

Being fairly new to the Okanagan and never having been across the border here, I welcomed the chance to help a friend with her first load of moving stuff to Lewiston, yes you guessed it, in Idaho.

Who knew that a seven hour drive just south of Penticton would transport me into the backwoods wonder that is at the heart of this outdoors-oriented community.

Unsuspecting and unprepared, a four-wheeling I did go!

Yee haw! Seated on the back of an ATV (sans cushion or padding other than my own), and holding on for dear life to a parka clad driver who so kindly invited us two girls to tag along for what was to be a boys only outing ... I had the most fun I've ever had with my boots on!

The scenery was nothing less than spectacular as our entourage of four machines started out in single file on the snowy, winding trail alongside Eagle Creek. The further south we travelled saw melting snowbanks give way to mud, sand and water holes that brought us to the shores of Idaho's famous Salmon River...and that's where the scenery captured my soul.

I know it was just the better part of one day, but there was something primal about being out there in the backyard wilderness of Lewiston, away from traffic lights and concrete. It was just enough of a tease to make me want more. Even though my boots still haven't come 100% as clean as they were before the trek, and it took a few days for the criss-cross imprint of steel bars to disappear off my bruised butt, I had a blast!

(Oh, and one more thing while visiting the friend of a friend's backyard in Lewiston, I saw the grandest, most humbling gnarly old tree I have ever seen. 'Twas the biggest tree I have ever hugged! Thanks for standing so proud.)

In conclusion I may stand corrected on getting the names right, but you know who you are. Hugs and many thanks to Robin, Patrick, Jeff and Ron for giving me the opportunity of experiencing and spending an unforgettable day the Idahoan way!

Look out Idaho, this adventure-seeking Canuck can't wait to explore all of the natural beauty and wonder that is Idaho. Now I've added whitewater rafting and hiking in Hell's Canyon to my bucket list ... so please don't pass the potatoes just yet!